Final reflections from the Lib Dem Conference

I am writing this on the fast train from Brighton to London, heading back home from the Lib Dem conference. A much quieter day generally today, although last night was as busy ever.

I have been looking out for an old friend of mine - Mark Webster - who used to be an ITN correspondent. He has just taken a job as Ming Campbell's official spokesman: the Lib Dem's answer to Tony Blair's infamous spin-doctor, Alistair Campbell. But while Campbell was an ultra-tough media manipulator, Mark couldn't be fairer or friendlier.

Obviously conference is a busy time for him, but we managed to get together last night for a chat. He is very optimistic that Ming will survive as party leader (and given the news from today's ICM poll, his position has to be stronger than it was). If Ming is to keep his job, he will need to define himself in the public consciousness. I always think politicians should build from their strengths, as much as move onto new areas. This is especially true when they hit turbulent weather. For my money, the Lib Dems have to keep their position as Britain's most environmental party, and Ming should identify himself with that. The signs are good, but we are going to need the Lib Dems to lead the charge and build alliances around the subjects like the energy white paper.

Later in the evening, I listened to a discussion on communicating climate change, with the excellent Mike McCarthy, from The Independent newspaper, and Martin Le Jeune from Sky. Another fascinating event. As activists, we might get frustrated that newspapers and broadcasters don't cover the issues, but it is really our job to generate interesting stories that will get exposure in the media. Our actions and campaigns are all about getting that cut-through and reaching out to the audience. Greenpeace mustn't let up in its efforts on this. Not for a moment.

Finally, this morning I went to a private seminar on energy policy run by the Fabian Society. One of the speakers was a senior director from EDF Energy - one of the companies queuing up to build new nuclear power stations. He as good as admitted that government financial support was essential for new nuclear, and if that didn't happen then they wouldn't get built. The ball really is in Labour's hands on this one.

Roll on Bournemouth and the Labour fringe next week!